Our People

I began my teaching career in 2005 at Pukekohe High School as a teacher of health, physical education and social science, having also taught overseas in the UK and in South Korea.  I have held a variety of leadership positions with the health and physical education faculty and recently as the Specialist Classroom Teacher to support new and experienced teachers to develop their classroom practise. Outside of the classroom I have been involved in coaching and managing girls cricket and football, working with the Community Council in fundraising activities for CanTeen and in leading year 10 camps.

I have a particular interest in leading change related to pedagogy (the ‘how’ we teach) and in student wellbeing. I believe strongly in the potential of all students and view it as our responsibility to the community to support and guide our students  to become confident, connected, lifelong learners who are active participants in their community.

Ko te piko o te maahuri, teeraa te tupu o te raakau

The way the sapling is shaped, determines how the tree grows.

Teena koutou katoa, mālō le sofiua, mālō e lelei, fakaalofa lahi atu, kia orana, ni sa bula vinaka, ਸਤਿ ਸ਼੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ and warm greetings! Education changes lives; what a privilege it is to be joining Pukekohe High School and sharing in this pursuit with our community. I am a 1.5-generation immigrant born in Panjab and raised in and by South Auckland, and still call the south of Taamaki Makaurau home. I believe schools are incredible places of community, learning, and hope and that educators have the immense honour of serving rangatahi in ways that allow all young people to grow wholly into the best versions of themselves. Poipoia te kaakano kia puaawai – nurture the seed and it will blossom. I look forward to connecting with you and working together to see our aakonga and school community grow.

Teena koutou
Ko Drakensberg te maunga
Ko Limpopo te awa
Ko South Africa te ahau
Ko Hester Myburgh toku ingoa

Born and raised in South Africa and a staunch supporter of the Springboks, Pukekohe is where my home is.  It is a privilege to share in the diversity of our town.

I am delighted to be part of an experienced leadership team and work at Pukekohe High School.  It is important to support the growth, learning, and development of our aakonga.  It takes a village to raise a child. Working collaboratively with our community we can raise expectations for our aakonga and develop them as well-rounded, balanced individuals, making a difference wherever they go.

I am a firm believer in teamwork and building relationships. For the moment we journey together for a brighter future.

He kaakano paakehaa teenei i ruia mai i ngaa whenua o Ingarangi, o Kootirana, o Tiamani, o Aerana, puta mai ai i te taumaru o Maungakiekie.
Ko Skiold te waka tuatahi o ngaa waru.
Ko Waitaki te awa i whangai ai te taha taane; ko Thames te awa i te taha koopuu.
Ko te Tiriti o Waitangi te korowai manaaki, ko te Haahi Iriiri te whakaruruhau.
Ko Kirsty Couper tooku ingoa.
E ngaa maataa waka o te ao, teenaa koutou katoa.

As a Pukekohe local with eighteen years of teaching experience in the Franklin rohe, I am excited to begin my Senior Leadership journey here at Pukekohe High School. I come from Waiuku College where I have been a member of both the Science and Te Hononga ki te Ao Maaori faculties. I have been privileged to serve in a number of leadership roles, including as Specialist Classroom Teacher and as an Across School Leader of the Waiuku Kaahui Ako (Community of Learning).

I am deeply committed to fostering reciprocal relationships of trust and respect which enhance teaching, learning and wellbeing for all. As Tangata Tiriti, I have a particular passion for walking with aakonga, whanau and kaiako Maaori as they seek to realise their educational aspirations within a kura auraki context.

He matagi tu faka, nofonofo.
Ti tonu ho lau kafika ē.
Tau tui mo e tau alagavaka ne
Tafilu hake ki Liualagi.
Ke fua he to fa.
He matagi tu fakahake motu,
Ke fua he to fa.

Fakalofa lahi atu, my name is David Faitala. I am a descendant from the pacific islands of Niue, Samoa and from Papua New Guinea. I am married to Natalie Faitala, and we have three children, Xavier, Samsara and D’Artagnan.

My teaching philosophy centres on providing care and guidance to my students, treating them with the same dedication as I would my own children. I consider it an honour to be part of the educational journeys of those I encounter in schools. I have been fortunate to teach in diverse settings, from the picturesque shores of Rarotonga to the vibrant communities of South Auckland. My teaching career has included roles at Arorangi School, Tereora College, De La Salle, Southern Cross Campus, Wesley College, Dilworth Senior Campus, and currently, Pukekohe High School.

My personal focus is to use my experience to address challenges and to encourage the students of Pukekohe High School to live our values of Kotahitanga, Manaakitanga, Puumautanga, and Araahitanga.